Flea & Tick Treatments in Jacksonville

It is always flea season in Florida and flea & tick treatments in Jacksonville are a necessity year round. For the most part, humans love the warmer weather, but the unseasonable temperatures can be a curse for your pets. If your pet is not on a monthly flea, tick and heartworm medication, you are asking for trouble. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes can cause problems for cats and dogs that range from minor to life threatening. These insects feed on your pet's blood, which can lead to itching, irritation, inflammation, allergic reactions, hot spots, infections and more serious health conditions. It is important for all pet owners to help in controlling infestations. Although there are many commercially available products, only a veterinarian can determine the best product for protecting your pet.

Facts About Flea Allergies

Fleas are very common to north Florida and many cats and dogs suffer from severe allergic reactions to fleabites. Listed below are facts about flea allergy dermatitis:

Flea allergies are a leading cause of itching for dogs and cats.

Most pets are not allergic to fleas but to the saliva the flea secrets.

Flea allergy dermatitis can cause excessive licking or scratching.

Over-grooming is a common sign of flea allergy dermatitis in cats.

Flea allergies can lead to hair loss and secondary infections.

Flea allergies can causes hot spots to develop on the pet's back and body.

Flea allergy dermatitis has a characteristic pattern of inflammation.

Pets with flea allergies may need a topical therapy to prevent the flea from biting.

Fleas and flea dirt (feces) may or may not be present on the affected pet.

Keep pets on monthly preventive flea medication year round.

It is important to note that fleas are difficult to find in your pet's coat and it only takes one bite to cause problems. So never wait until you see a flea infestation to take you pet to a veterinarian for flea & tick treatments in Jacksonville.

Tick Are Dangerous Parasites

Ticks are more than a nuisance. These parasites can cause serious and sometimes deadly diseases. According to PetMD, ticks can carry a variety of tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted to your pet from a single tick bite, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks prefer the protection that inside a home has to offer and often catch a ride on the first available carrier. This means indoor cats and dogs are also at risk of tick bites and have the same need for flea & tick treatments in Jacksonville. The best way to keep ticks off your pet is by keeping your dog or cat on a tick preventive. However, don't be surprised if you find a tick on a treated pet. If you do, just remove it with tweezers as quickly as you can. Ticks should be grasped behind the head and slowly pulled away from the pet's skin. Do not crush a tick as this can release dangerous fluids. The wound should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. If the mouthpart is not completely removed or any medical concerns arise, see a veterinarian right away.

SNAP Heartworm Tests

Heartworm disease is easy to prevent but costly to cure. This serious and potentially fatal disease results from the bite of an infected mosquito. Since Florida is home to millions of mosquitoes and there is no way to tell if one is infected or not, preventative medications are important for both dogs and cats. These parasites can severely and sometimes fatally damage the heart, lungs and blood vessels.

Heartworms in Dogs: Dogs are a natural host for heartworms. Therefore, any canine should be on a heartworm preventative. When left untreated, this silent killer will grow to maturity and rapidly reproduce. Signs of heartworm infection include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing and swollen abdomen.

Heartworms in Cats: Heartworm disease does not affect cats the same as it does dogs, and heartworms seldom reach adulthood. However, just because symptoms are less severe in cats, it is still important for your feline pet to be on a heartworm preventative, as immature parasites can still do major damage. Cats can suffer from heartworm-associated respiratory disease* with symptoms that mimic asthma or bronchitis

*NOTE: The medication used to treat heartworm infections in dogs cannot be used in cats. Prevention is the only means of protecting your feline friends.

When choosing parasite preventative medications for your pet, there are several things to consider. At PrimeVET, our staff and veterinarians will help you choose the best product based on your pets risk factors and health status. Always carefully read the instructions that come with pet medications before you administer any treatment to your cat or dog. It is true that fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are most often seen during the summer months, but living in a warmer climate our veterinarians recommend year round flea & tick treatments in Jacksonville for both dogs and cats.